2026 Community Playhouse Build
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Mauricio Garcia, Bender JCC Phone: 301-348-3758 | Email: [email protected]
Building Playhouses, Connecting Communities: Bender JCC and Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland Partner on Community Playhouse Build
Rockville, MD — January 9, 2026 — On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Bender Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington will once again partner with Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland to host its annual Community Playhouse Build, bringing together volunteers from across faiths, backgrounds, and life experiences for a shared day of service and connection.
Taking place on Monday, January 19, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This year’s Playhouse Build has seen a significant increase in participation compared to past years, reflecting a growing desire for meaningful, hands-on opportunities that bring people together through service. At least 20 volunteer teams will work side by side to construct playhouses that will be gifted to children of Habitat for Humanity homeowners and veterans, creating spaces for play, imagination, and belonging.
At a time when people are actively seeking ways to connect across differences, the Community Playhouse Build offers a powerful reminder of what is possible when individuals come together around a shared goal.
“We are proud to see this project grow each year, not just in size, but in spirit,” said Josh Bender, CEO of the Bender JCC. “The Playhouse Build is about more than building structures. It is about building relationships, strengthening community bonds, and demonstrating that when we work together with purpose, we create something meaningful for everyone involved.”
This year’s volunteers represent a wide range of congregations, community groups, nonprofits, and local organizations, including faith-based partners, youth ministries, civic groups, and corporate teams.
Participants will include:
Greater Gaithersburg Youth Ministry; Baha’is of Bethesda; Dream Builders Crew; Bethesda Jewish Congregation; B’nai Israel; Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington; Changemakers 2026; Ohr Kodesh Congregation; Dream Builders; Har Shalom; Scotland AMEZ Builders; Matthew25; Total Wine & More; Bender JCC Staff; Team Brilliant Pearl; Amata Meditation Center; The Playhouse Builders; The Dawoodi Bohras of Washington D.C.; Cooperative Youth Ministry (CCC & SSUMC); and NTiva, Inc.
“The Community Playhouse Build creates an opportunity for us to live one of our key Jewish values, we are all responsible for each other.” said Lauren Dworkin, Director of Engagement and Social Action at the Bender JCC. “Working together toward a common purpose allows us to build understanding, trust, and connection, while also making a tangible difference for families in our community.”
Supported by generous sponsors: Home Depot, NFP, Meltzer Group, Repair The World, Herb Weinberger and Monice Rosenbaum, NTiva, and David and Christianne Caffey.
Volunteers can participate without a fundraising requirement, allowing the focus to remain on collaboration, service, and impact.
About the Bender JCC:
The Bender Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington is a vibrant community hub in Rockville, Maryland, offering a full-scale health and fitness center, preschool, summer day camp, arts and cultural programming, and lifelong learning opportunities. Rooted in Jewish values, the Bender JCC creates an inclusive environment that welcomes individuals and families of all backgrounds and inspires meaningful connection, engagement, and well-being.
About Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland:
Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland partners with communities and families in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties to provide access to decent, affordable housing. Through volunteer labor, donations, and partnerships, Habitat works to strengthen neighborhoods and create stability for families, believing that safe housing is the foundation for thriving communities.
